Aug. 23rd, 2010

Two Sides of the Same Coin

mood: sleepy

I've been reading too much Merlin fic this weekend. Now I'm craving a fic where there's a Slash Dragon chained in the basement under the Steinkamp Centre who is always raging on about Destiny, and everybody has always ignored him and gone about their own business, until the day Sir Marc arrives and rips apart the fabric of Essen and the Slash Dragon goes mad and fumes until the ice rink melts.

But because I can't be bothered to write that, have a rec: Like A Fish Needs a Bicycle by netgirl_y2k. So much fun! It's got snappy modern dialogue and sensibility but within the canon of Camelot. And I love Morgana even more now for her feeble seduction attempts.

Aug. 10th, 2009

When life throws a curveball ... and it smacks you hard

mood: sore

Had a fab slasher's brunch yesterday -- educational and everything! -- but walking home I fell flat on my face. Well, on my right arm, actually. It's sprained and there's a very attractive scrape on my elbow, with a matched set on both knees. Just a big OW! And I don't even have a great story to go along with it. I just took a step off a curb that turned out not to be a curb at all but more of a slope -- it completely threw off my balance.

It's in a sling and I managed to work and clip the latest AWZ, but now I think it's time for more painkillers and rest. Shame, because I wanted to rec one of the stories in Merlin Big Bang, but typing with one hand makes that arduous. Anyway, go read mariana_oconnor's While His Name Is Still Spoken, which is not getting nearly the number of comments or readers that it deserves. It's about Merlin searching the Underworld for Arthur, beautifully told, and while I wish that the ending had been developed more, I think that she crafted a fine adventure that should be enjoyed by more people. (Is it just me noticing that it's the same stories getting recced over and over and over again? C'mon, tell me about some of the lesser known stories you've liked!)

OK, that's all I think I'm up to tonight. Painkillers and True Blood, here I come!

Apr. 28th, 2009

Day 5 of Happy

mood: happy

NUMBER ONE: THE INTERNET: OMG it kept going out today, and not just little blips but for HOURS at a time. It was AWFUL! But then it came back and I got boodles of email and only a little work and all was good again. (Until it disappeared again but then came back.) *staples it to the floor so it can't run away again*

#2: Our Youtube Addicts: You know, this whole subbing soaps thing started out just so sdk and I could know what was going on. And it still is, primarily. But then we get some people who leave us comments that make me glee for hours. And two days ago we posted a seminal (ahem) scene, and already it has nearly 1500 views! This is totally insane. And so much fun that I really can't believe it! NSFW!!

#3: This is a little one, but it was really nice: the way my box of Moroccan mint tea smelled when I first opened the box. It made me think of summer.

#6: Big Bang progress: Yesterday I worked myself up into a right state of intimidation by watching ASH interviews and realising that he's hysterical and witty and OMG hard to write. Today, I said screw it and wrote him anyway. I'm taking a lot of liberties with him but I like how he's coming out. (And how he's making passes at Merlin.)

Apr. 20th, 2009

So yeah, that guy? The one who's invited himself to our previously women-only slashers' group and does not take the hint that nobody wants him there? I just checked his journal where he writes:

The girl of my dreams is some sort of automaton, like a Cylon or something, only with the anti-human rebellious streak replaced with a simple OFF switch and most of the deadly weapon training programs removed in favour of more useful skills (#include { cookEggs (scrambled); })

Ah, but happier things! I've joined in the EKP insanity, where not only have we posted 8 vids in the past few days but we've also started a brand new playlist of the current episodes. Why? I DON'T KNOW! Actually, it's because there are rumours that our darling Roman might soon embark on a new romance. And at last the writers aren't treating this delectable hottie like a monk -- he's coming in looking ravished, tie eskew, with talk of shagging cabbies and such. This should not make me as happy as it does, but after such a long dry spell...

Oh! Oh! Also, ficcage -- mclachlan wrote the most adorable Merlin/Arthur story for me: The Thing. It's so perfectly Arthur and so exactly Merlin, and I love it to bits.

Drive-by Fic Rec

mood: impressed

I need to get back into the habit of reccing the great fics I've read lately -- I think I just assume I'm behind the game and everybody has already seen them.

But here's a new one that you might have missed: mclachlan's Insubordination. Summary: Arthur, being the crown prince, is allowed a certain amount of power. Actually, a lot of power, really. Except when he isn't. I usually get drawn into stories for clever plots or because they make me see a character in a new light or even because they make me laugh. But on rare occasions I fall in love with the author's language, with the way their words roll through my head and feel lush against my eyes. That's what mclachlan's done here. I'd paste up a bit, but I'd end up pasting the entire story, and it's really not that long (~2600 words). Perfect for reading before bed, as I did, and perfect for waking up to remember the repeated insistence that Arthur had power, and the beautiful realisation of how that power fails in the face of his feelings for Merlin. Go, read!

Mar. 15th, 2009

I've been outwitted by a stapler

mood: busy

music: Bell X1 - Blows In

They do say staplers are very intelligent. This one is -- it has a button that you might *think* would open it, but no. It has ridges that you might be able to pull to open it, but they're too narrow for my fingers. Gack!

In other not-so-bright news, I was being all efficient and finished my taxes, Canada and U.S., and even took them to the mailbox tonight -- one less thing to do tomorrow. Except that I forgot to attach my cheque to the Canadian return. I figured out how to do it online, but it was still a big "Doh!" moment.

Nonetheless, I've gotten loads done today. Packing a month's wardrobe in a carry-on isn't easy, but takhys's brilliant plastic baggie method is letting me cram lots more in. I'll do the final culling tomorrow (obviously) but it now looks possible. I've got a bigger memory card for my camera, printed out my itinerary and all the stuff I'll need along the way, packed all my presents (save the bottle of rye I must pick up tomorrow), and my flashdrive's well-stocked with videos, fics to read, and fics to write. *groan*

I'd really hoped to contribute something to ides_of_march, but that was apparently a big part of yesterday's stress. (Staring paralysed at the computer, fearing that everyone will forget everything I've ever written if I don't post a fic before leaving, is not conducive to writing smut!) But there was some great stuff written today, including Silver Thaw, aldiara's latest chapter of "In This Home on Ice." It's wickedly hot -- and really, who doesn't love hypothermia fic? And then kabal42 wrote a great missing scene from "Valiant", The Wrong Helmet (which I want to type as "The Wrong Trousers" and omg that'd be a great crossover for the Black Knight), when I asked how Arthur reacted to Merlin's screw up. (Plus I just really like hanging out at Kabal's journal to look at the banner. I love that picture -- it was done by the BBC, with a smaller table than is used in the episode, and I just have such fun imagining what instructions the photographer gave to get them to look at each other like that.)

OK, puttering calls, must run. *smooches all around* I hope you all had fabulous weekends!

Mar. 4th, 2009

Midday ramble

mood: busy

music: This Mortal Coil - You And Your Sister

I just did my interview! And it went really well -- although there *might* have been technical problems, but at least *I* didn't screw up. Too much. Nothing that can't be edited out, anyway, and he said it was really valuable info. So I sigh with relief. Yes, hi, I can ramble for 40 minutes non-stop.

Oh! And I love love love doing Big Bang! Why did no one ever tell me how much fun it was? I always thought it was serious business, everybody banging away on their keyboards in solitude. No! I have Support Group! And we have a Theme Song! And Soundtracks! And it's the best thing ever! Not that I've actually written anything for the past two days, but that's beside the point. (I did dream that I was travelling in Germany with Colin Morgan tho, what's that about?)

I have no time to read fics, and yet two still managed to slip through my ban and knock my socks off:

Endless Midnights by kagedtiger (and how much do I love her LJ handle? THIIIIIIS MUCH!)Summary: After the events of "Midnight," The Doctor meets with one of the tourists who is not quite what he appears to be. This will totally change how you watch That Episode of Doctor Who. And yes, I *adore* the idea of Merlin living through time in disguise. So. Much. Love.

Pavlov Penis by derryereSummary: In which Merlin is hot for Arthur's bed, Arthur's hot for the laundry and there's this big fucking heatwave all over the place (?!) I discovered Derryere's writing through the most amazing RPS ever, but here she takes on Merlin/Arthur, and it's one of the most sensual and gorgeous and moody things I've ever read.

Now it's back to work for me. Oh, just to give you an idea where my head is, when I paid rent today I gave my landlord two checks, since I won't be here at the start of the next. He called to let me know that I wrote February on one and March on the other. Yeup, apparently I've lost an entire month. Where did it go???? *looks under couch*

Mar. 3rd, 2009

Intro, friending, and some uncharacteristic mopey

music: Dollhouse

OK, I seem to have neglected a few things, like (a) introducing myself to the new folks on my flist *waves* and (b) reintroducing myself to the old folks on LJ.

Before doing that, tho, let me just say: I've been away from LJ for 18 months -- some of you I have tried to keep up with by commenting on your journal, especially if you've made an effort to follow me at IJ. If you've done that, I appreciate it more than you know. But if I've just popped up out of the blue and you don't remember who I am or are not interested anymore, I won't be offended if you want to defriend me. I know most of my flist comes from the LotR/Theatrical Muse fen and it's been a long time since I've been part of those. (Not that I think shared fandoms are required, just don't feel obligated to keep me on if you don't want to hear about Merlin and German soaps.)

Feb. 25th, 2009

FIC REC ... AGAIN

mood: loved

music: some soul-destroying cop show that Dad's watching

You know, I really do have the absolute best friends in the world!! It's easy to forget about stupid bigots when you discover that sarcasticchick has caved and written Bradley/Colin fic (A Ridiculous Plan) just to cheer you! And believe me, it did! This story is so delightful!!! It's all part of a plan, see, which should have been a good plan (one I quite approve of) except that it was Colin's and there was tequila, and so of course things don't go to plan. And like the summary says, He was Bradley-fucking-James; he didn't understand the meaning of the word coward. God, I adore these boys so much, especially when they're being competitive and taunting each other. Read!!

Also, tonight I talked Dad into going to Jason's Deli for their fresh salad bar (I wonder what the shock will do to his system) and I bought a little drum kit for my nephew's second birthday. Because what's the point in being an auntie if you can't encourage noise-making tendencies?

Feb. 24th, 2009

Fic recs and friending

mood: ditzy

music: Malcolm Middleton - Fight Like The Night

reel_merlin just started at LJ and the two entries there so far have been exceptional! One is Ras Elased's What You Carry With You: Truth and knowledge are just as heavy as any yoke around the neck. For all Arthur's posturing, he is not Atlas, and he can't shoulder the weight of the world. Based on the movie Superman II. I haven't seen the movie so I can't say how true it is. What I took from it was an incredibly layered and complex depiction of Arthur, and I'm truly in awe of how deeply rich she's made this character. It's funny to say, but reading it, I think I've fallen in love with Arthur all over again.

And if I didn't need to go to bed so I can get up at 6, this would seque into how I find Arthur incredibly hard to write but Bradley stunningly easy, while Colin often proves difficult and Merlin is much more manageable. But that's for another day.

Instead we'll go straight into the other rec, art this time: Beeej's interpretation of Pride and Prejudice, Merlin style. I am just agog over the first one. The colours and the composition are just perfect!!

Now, AN IMPORTANT QUESTION for the Merlin fans on my flist. I know that there was just a Merlin friending meme over at LJ. Although I've made a few new friends over there (*waves to you guys*) I didn't take part in the friending meme just because I don't post at LJ. But I was wondering, do you think that having one over here would be a good idea? I just wonder if there are folks floating out there who are isolated. I'm happy to host it in my journal, and could even probably pimp it at some of the IJ comms. Maybe do it this weekend when I get back from SC? What do you think? Y/N/M?

And that's it for me, kittens! I'm off to the land of FOX News and boiled peanuts help me but I'll try to get online when I can. While I'm gone be very bad and write lots of porn!

Feb. 18th, 2009

Randomy stuff and Winterlude picspam

mood: sleepy

music: "The Boy Does Nothing" on loop in my head WTF?

I'm giddy! Not only is muppet (who says she doesn't read fanfic) now reading Merlin fanfic, but kabal42 is watching and analysing the symbols and totally feeding my obsession. And astolat wrote kinky softcore porn about magical people, aka The Court of the Summer King. So YAYs all around!

Now if I could just figure out how to redeem my Big Bang story idea from horrifying MarySueness, I'd be completely happy.

Then there's this: They've announced the Doctor's next companion. I like her -- she was awesome in Lost in Austen and Mansfield Park -- but I resent this line in the article: Duncan, who is starring as Baroness Thatcher in the BBC2 drama Margaret, will play Adelaide - the Doctor's cleverest and most strong-minded companion yet. Way to diss Donna and Martha, guys. (And Rose, too, I guess, tho I always found her more lucky than clever.) Not the actress' fault for that phrasing, of course -- hyperbole sells. It'll be interesting to see the dynamic between her and Matt Smith.

Feb. 16th, 2009

Monday blather

mood: restless

Thank you, client, for scheduling an early morning appointment with me and then not bothering to call. I appreciate that. Really.

At least getting up early is getting me motivated to DO STUFF. My sleep schedule's seriously out of whack. I'm up until dawn, then the animals pounce on me a few hours later, and I'm feeling sleep-deprived and sluggish.

Which has been my excuse all weekend for doing NOTHING but indulging in writing and reading and television.

But today I have Being Human to look forward to, which is turning out to be rather brilliant. And there's that whole "doing stuff" thing too, which so far has involved throwing in some laundry and thinking about diving into my taxes and pondering fic. Haven't gotten much further than that.

At the moment, though, I have to see what the dog wants. He's looking at me with those intent eyes, but it's not dinnertime and he's been out I've already lifted him onto the couch twice and he's jumped off, so that's not it. Why can't you talk, dammit!

Happy Monday, kittens!

p.s. sarcasticchick just found Thomas Jefferson/Alexander Hamilton slash. I boggled for two seconds and then asked for George Washington/Benedict Arnold hatesex. I NEED SLEEP! (She does more, she's been up all night. FEAR US!)

Feb. 12th, 2009

Oodles of Merlin Recs

mood: sleepy

I haven't been reading nearly as much as I'd like lately, just no time, but I have been stockpiling up some recs I wanted to share. This turned out a bit longer than I planned, even after whittling down a bunch. I'd say sorry, but I'm not. ;)

Jan. 30th, 2009

A sleepy picspam before bed

Far too much time today was lost this evening staring at this page by Mabo. I'd seen icons from this set of pictures before (they're from the DVD which I will be getting as soon as I get to London) but I hadn't seen the full set before. Here are my favourites:

And I know I just recced stories yesterday, but here's one hot off the presses that you must read: sarcastic_jo's A Most Generous Gift. What I said about fluffy fics? This is not one. This is delightfully twisted and creepy with just the slightest hint of Repo: The Genetic Opera. Which means I absolutely love it! Go read!!

Jan. 28th, 2009

Bits and bobs

I have a new icon. Which I adore. *points and giggles*

I also have a new desktop image on my laptop--and instead of my programs being on the left side and icons of projects/work on the right, I've had to move them all to the left-hand side. For some reason, that makes me feel like I've got a lot more to do. What's with that?

This week I've been mainlining Merlin fics. I do love this crack-fed fandom, but I have a low tolerance for fluffy, and too many of these stories threaten to strip the enamel from my teeth.

And yet finding these two gems has been worth it: Waldorph's All the Laughter From Before (Summary: It's pretty, but very distressing. And lo, all is sunshine and daisies... and death, but what can you do?) and headspin_x's In Your Fire, And In Your Flood (Summary: There are moments when Merlin can't tell if he is awake or dreaming; can't quite decipher the slight difference between the two shades. The lines are starting to –). They are very different stories so I shouldn't lump them together like this, other than that they've made me feel similar emotions -- basically, intense flailing and the certainty that I should give up writing altogether because I will never, ever approach anything as complex and layered and ... fuck, I almost used the word transcendent in relation to fanfic, which is just wrong, but these two stories have a beauty that I know I'll never be able to match. And I love that and hate it all at once. But. You should read these stories, I'm sure they'll amaze (and hopefully inspire) you too.

In much, much more frivolous news, you have to read Ask Captain Jack. This is why the Internet exists.

And I watched the new Skins today. Not loving it. The previous season was over-the-top in what the kids got away with, sure, but I never felt like the adults were treated as such one-dimensional characters. (Or am I just blinded by S2 and forgetting S1?) I'm not giving up yet -- I couldn't believe how happy I was just to hear the theme song -- but I hope they can rein it in a bit next time.

Jan. 20th, 2009

Kitty report

mood: relieved

music: The Walkmen - That's the Punch Line

Mo-kitty went under the knife today -- the vet just called to say that she did well and is waking up from the anesthesia. They keep warning me, though, not to be freaked out when I see the size of the incision. Which of course is the elephant in the room. *freaks out a little* And they had to put in a drain that'll come out next week, and they're pumping her full of IV fluids that'll make her puffy, and giving her a little Elizabethan collar that'll make her bitchy ... she'll be a real bundle of joy when she gets home.

They're keeping her for a few more hours, so while I wait not freaking out being otherwise unproductive I thought I'd toss out a handful of Merlin recs that are absolutely fabulous.

Jan. 6th, 2009

Two great fic recs!!

mood: bouncy

Wheee! I got porn! Really scorching hot smexxy bathtime Merlin porn!! sarcastic_jo finally succumbed to my incessant whining and wrote No Ordinary Servantto shut me up because I was miserable with work. I don't mind being miserable, really, if this is what comes of it!

Please go read it, and please tell her that she needs to be writing more Merlin fics (especially that pretty pile of Arthur-Merlin-Morgana-Gwen-Lancelot that she keeps dangling in front of me).

And... *smacks self* I have been totally remiss in forgetting to mention that sdk wrote a ficlet off a prompt I'd given her: Closing Time, which is an absolutely gorgeous little moment between AWZ's Marian and Nadja, a.k.a. my het OTP. Go read, this is good stuff!

And so the idea for this collaborative fic was born -- several weeks ago (and damn work anyway), so it's AU and been jossed by this point, but we don't care. When canon gives you lemons, you ... write epic multi-chaptered hatesex fic, right?

Title: In This Home On Ice – Chapter One: Face-OffAuthors:aldiara and lilithilienFandom/Characters: Alles Was Zählt, Deniz/RomanWord Count/Rating: 10K words of NC-17 smutSummary:“I'm curious: is a professional blow job really that much better than what I used to get for free?”Disclaimer: Sadly we don't own these characters; we just like watching them fight.A/N: While this story picks up Deniz’s rentboy plot somewhere after episode 565, it goes AU from there (a.k.a. as far as we are concerned, Stella does not and will never exist). Lilith pirouettes; Aldi swings hockey sticks.